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differences in acetelyn torch and regulator sets

D

deene

Member
was using my old cutting torch yesterday and the diaphragm on the oxy bottle started leaking..its an old set with a not so good torch ..and was thinking bout buying a whole new set up with brazing tips and all..i am seeing prices all over from 89.00 a set for victor or harris imitations on ebay to 425.00 a set for the actual victor journeyman set on ebay...I don't do this for a living just when i need some heat or something brazed..so what are the differences and are the large variation in prices worth it..thanks for any insight to the questions
 
The Victor has a mixing chamber that swirls the gases ./ That is all I know . I was brainwashed by the Victor salesman early on . But it is a great torch.
 
I've used hessa, victor, and Harris at work. All worked great with a long life. Don't know the difference between the cheaper and more expensive versions. If you get a whole new set, you might want to switch that accetlylen tank for a propane tank. Alot cheaper to run (go though less) and it's handy when your grill runs out. Some of the older stuff is not compatible with propane, but I believe all the newer stuff is.
 
I use a Smith torch. Very good quality. I would not buy anything built in China for use as a regulator or torch given the explosive nature of cutting torches. JMHO
 
When my regulator went bad I had my welding supply send it off to repair.Cost me 25 or 30 bucks. On the torches I have dealt with you only have to change the tip to use propane. When I bought a new torch for the Ag shop at school they told me Smith is the only one made in the U.S. now. Dont know if thats right but I dont want a chinese torch in my hand nor would I want to put one in an Ag students hand.
 
I agree with the posters who prefer Smiths. Back in the day, Liquidair made good regulators, but if I were buying a new set-up, I would pay the extra and get Smiths.
 
I have used the Smith SC model torch sets for years. The original set my Grand father bought back in the 1940s is still in use.

As for your regulator. If that is all that is bad they can be rebuilt. DO NOT listen to the Air Gas and other company fellow that tell you they can be rebuilt if they are so old.

Call Jerry's Welding

(937) 364-1500

5367 US Highway 50,

Hillsboro, OH 45133

They can rebuild them. It usually is around $50 including freight back.
 
Our local gas supplier in town repairs ours in his store while you wait. My son and I both have used him.
I have had a Werco set for about 35 years that I was told was basically a Victor that was rebadged to sell cheaper.
Richard in NW SC
 
The regulator is probably repairable, much less than buying a new one. Same for the torch. As long as you can still get tips for it, I would keep it. Check with your local welding supply, they can fix you up.

A lot of the torch equipment on Ebay, or at Harbor Freight, even Home Depot, is either knock off fake, name brand now made in China, or name brand that is "home shop" duty. I recently bought a set of hoses for my torch on Ebay, they rotted and were leaking within a year!
 
According to the settlers over on Tool Talk,anything more expensive than Harbor Freight is a waste of money. I can't settle for Harbor Freight so I spend the differece for name brand. I recently had a Victor regulator rebuilt by LWS for $32 tax parts and freight included.
 
yes but since they were a little over half the cost of a cheap new complete set I figured I would replace everything if it didn't seem to matter on quality..now after reading these posts I conclude it does matter and will go a different direction..thanks for your input
 
FYI, Victor is a reasonably good torch set. I have a set that I have used for many years and it has done the job for me. However, having said that, the Smith, Harris, Air Products torch sets are much better torches. I have a set of Harris torches, and it is much easier to use, less popping back, and easier to handle. I also paid a LOT more money for the Harris equipment. No experience with the HF stuff.
 
I think Werco is what mine is and bought it in either 78 or 79. Bought tanks as well at that time. One cow to stalk yards to pay for outfit.
 
Between my 2 son's shops and mine, we have 5 sets of Smith torches, 2 of the smaller SC(?) series and 3 of the mid size series. I bought my first Smith set in 1968 and it still is used frequently. I vaguely recall having one regulator rebuilt some years ago, but the other 9 regulators are original. I have worn out one set of hoses, probably from sun UV light. All 5 sets are using propane LP gas for fuel. The only repair items, have been the replacement of some of the O rings on the tips. IIRC, many years ago, Smith was located in Minneapolis, but a few decades ago they moved to S. Dakota.

In today's world, I think Smith was bought up by Victor within the past 2 years. Maybe google will shed some light on this. Victor has been well respected, and often copied by oriental manufactures. I have seen some ads for "Victor type" torch sets. In my shop, there will never be any Chinese torch sets.

YMMV,

Paul in MN
 
I checked the Smith website, and they merged with or were bought by Miller. I have no idea how that affects the current product.

Paul in MN
 
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